Plans to improve the East Strand Promenade in Portrush, Northern Ireland have been handed a £900,000 cash injection as part of a wider scheme to boost tourism along the Causeway Coastal Route.

Areas of the promenade between the town's Arcadia and the Watersports Centre, and in the front of the East Strand car park, will benefit from work to enhance the section of the route. Northern Ireland Tourist Board's tourism development scheme will provide £450,000 towards the project, along with £400,000 from Northern Ireland's Department of Social Development and £50,000 from Coleraine Borough Council.

Tourism minister Arlene Foster said: "This scheme will transform the appearance of the promenade, maximise the natural surroundings and improve what Portrush already has to offer. "The world famous Causeway Coastal Route draws visitors from all over the world, so working to improve visitor attractions means that we are constantly evolving as a destination."

Social development minister Margaret Ritchie added: "This work to the East Strand promenade will provide improved lighting, easier access to the beach, and improved pedestrian linkage to the commercial area of the town."